By John Barnes
Washington Apple Pi Journal, March/April 1999, pp. 36-38, reprint information
A certain fascination with the National Geographic magazine has its roots in my childhood. The pages of the yellow volumes made for fine reading in the waiting room of many a dentist, doctor, veterinarian etc. There are any number of newspaper stories featuring eccentric recluses who died surrounded by complete collections of the magazine. The magazine seemed to be a particular thing for pack rats.